Helmet Retention System

ABSTRACT

A retention system for a helmet includes a horizontal chin strap and a vertical chin strap, wherein the vertical chin strap is secured to the horizontal chin strap at two points of intersection. The horizontal chin strap may include a first horizontal chin strap portion, a second horizontal chin strap portion, a first fastener for reversibly coupling the first chin strap and the second chin strap, and at least one mounting strap for affixing the mounting strap to a helmet. The vertical chin strap may include a second fastener for reversibly coupling a first end of the vertical chin strap to a body of the vertical chin strap, a loop through which the vertical chin strap passes through, and at least one forward strap for affixing the forward strap to a helmet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/137,700, filed Mar. 24, 2015, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, according to some embodiments, relates to a dualchin strap retention system and helmet liner that may be positioned intoan interior region of a helmet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Helmets for head protection are worn in a variety of environments andfor various purposes. Helmets are often secured to a wearer's head by aflexible chin strap. The chin strap may include multiple segments offlexible strap material that are secured at either side of the helmetand pass below the chin, where the segments are releasably joined. Insome helmets the strap segments on either side of the helmet areattached to the helmet at two positions, in front of and behind thewearer's ear. When joined, the two strap segments form a single strapthat may be adjusted in length.

Conventional helmet straps may be difficult to adjust. If only a singlestrap is provided on each side of the helmet, for example, theadjustment can be made at the buckle where the straps are joined. If thechin strap has connections at two positions on each side of the helmet,however, the two separate strap segments each need adjustment forlength, but generally have no convenient buckle or termination toaccommodate such adjustment. A typical approach for adjusting the lengthof these strap segments is to fix one end of the strap and loop the freeend through a buckle or loop, returning it to a ladder-lock adjustmentmechanism positioned along the length of strap. By pushing more or lessof the free end through the ladder lock, the length of a strap segmentis altered. The geometry of this solution dictates that for each inch oflength adjustment, the free end must move two inches. The free strap endthat extends beyond the ladder lock may be secured with an additionalcomponent such as a clasp, or in some designs the wearer can adjust theposition of the ladder lock along the strap segment to minimize thelength of the exposed strap. In any case, the result is that adjustingthe length of helmet straps is neither fast nor convenient and mayrequire removing the helmet and making multiple adjustments,repositioning the ladder lock, and trying the helmet again for properfit.

While adjustment theoretically is needed only when the helmet is firstacquired, in practice the wearer may wish to adjust the tightness of thestraps according to circumstances. In active situations, for example,especially if additional accessories such as night-vision goggles areattached to the helmet, the wearer may wish the straps to be tighterthan normally required.

A current liner system for helmets includes a plurality of separateimpact-absorbing foam pads that are positioned in the interior of ahelmet. An example of such a system is the Zorbium® Action Pad (ZAP™)system available from Team Wendy®. One drawback of such systems is thatthe foam pads comprise foam blocks that do not generally match thegeometry of the wearer's head, leading to discomfort or instability ofthe helmet on the wearer's head. A wearer may remove one or more thefoam pads in order to improve fit and comfort, however, removal of thefoam pads eliminates the impact protection from that portion of thehelmet. Another drawback of these systems is that the materials used inthe foam pads (e.g., Zorbium® polyurethane foam) absorb water. This canlead to increased weight on the wearer's head and greater discomfort.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, a retention system for a helmet includes ahorizontal chin strap and a vertical chin strap. The horizontal chinstrap may include a center horizontal chin strap portion, and at leastone mounting strap for affixing the mounting strap to a helmet. Themounting strap may have at least one hole by which the mounting strap isconfigured to be affixed to the helmet. The center portion of thehorizontal chin strap may include a first central horizontal chin strapportion, a second central horizontal chin strap portion, and a firstfastener for reversibly coupling the first central horizontal chin strapand the second central horizontal chin strap. The vertical chin strapmay include a center portion, a loop through which the center portion ofthe vertical chin strap passes through; and at least one forward strapfor affixing the forward strap to a helmet. The forward strap may haveat least one hole by which the mounting strap is configured to beaffixed to the helmet. The center portion of the vertical chin strap mayinclude a second fastener for reversibly coupling a first end of thecenter portion of the vertical chin strap to a body of the centerportion of the vertical chin strap. In some embodiments the verticalchin strap is secured to the horizontal chin strap at one or more points(e.g. two points) of intersection.

In some embodiments, the vertical chin strap further includes a buckle,for example a double D-ring buckle, configured to adjust the length ofthe vertical chin strap between the two points of intersection with thehorizontal chin strap.

In some embodiments the first fastener includes a first fastener pilemounted to a surface of the first central horizontal chin strap and asecond fastener pile mounted to a surface of the second centralhorizontal chin strap, wherein the fastener piles are configured toprovide a separable interconnection when pressed together. One of thefirst fastener pile and the second fastener pile may include a pluralityof hooks and the other of the first fastener pile and the secondfastener pile may include a plurality of loops.

In some embodiments the forward strap and center portion of the verticalchin strap are coupled to the loop such that the vertical strap issubstantially linear. In some embodiments, the forward strap is coupledto the loop such that the forward strap and mounting strap aresubstantially perpendicular.

According to another embodiment, a retention system for a helmetincludes a horizontal chin strap and a vertical chin strap. In someembodiments the horizontal chin strap is secured to the vertical chinstrap at one or more points (e.g. two points) of intersection. Thehorizontal chin strap may include a center portion, a loop through whichthe center portion of the horizontal chin strap passes through; and atleast one mounting strap having at least one hole for affixing theforward strap to a helmet. The center portion of the horizontal chinstrap may include a second fastener for reversibly coupling a first endof the center portion of the horizontal chin strap to a body of thecenter portion of the horizontal chin strap. The vertical chin strap mayinclude a center vertical chin strap portion, and at least one mountingstrap having at least one hole for affixing the mounting strap to ahelmet. The center portion of the vertical chin strap may include afirst central vertical chin strap portion, a second central verticalchin strap portion, and a first fastener for reversibly coupling thefirst central vertical chin strap and the second central vertical chinstrap.

According to another embodiment, a retention system for a helmetincludes a horizontal chin strap and a vertical chin strap. In someembodiments the horizontal chin strap is secured to the vertical chinstrap at one or more points of intersection. The horizontal chin strapmay include a center horizontal chin strap portion, and at least onemounting strap having at least one hole for affixing the mounting strapto a helmet. The center portion of the horizontal chin strap may includea first central horizontal chin strap portion, a second centralhorizontal chin strap portion, and a first fastener for reversiblycoupling the first central horizontal chin strap and the second centralhorizontal chin strap. The vertical chin strap may include a centervertical chin strap portion, and at least one mounting strap having atleast one hole for affixing the mounting strap to a helmet. The centerportion of the vertical chin strap may include a first central verticalchin strap portion, a second central vertical chin strap portion, and afirst fastener for reversibly coupling the first central vertical chinstrap and the second central vertical chin strap.

According to an embodiment, a retention system for a helmet includes anadjustable nape assembly, which includes a semi-rigid shell sized andconfigured to fit within an interior of a helmet and around a portion ofa wearer's head, the liner body comprising a body and two legs andhaving an outer surface and an inner surface; a pad comprising a bodyand two legs attached to the interior surface of the semi-rigid shell sothat the pad body and pad legs are generally aligned with the semi-rigidshell body and semi-rigid shell legs; an adjustment strap having a firstend attached to a semi-rigid shell leg and a second end portion having amount point for attaching the adjustment strap to an interior of ahelmet; and a buckle capable of adjusting the length of the strapbetween the pad leg and mount point.

In some embodiments an upper portion of the semi-rigid shell extendsbeyond the pad body and has a mount point for mounting the semi-rigidshell to a helmet. In some embodiments the semi-rigid shell comprisesexpanded polypropylene. In some embodiments the pad comprises a foammaterial enclosed in fabric. In some embodiments the semi-rigid shellcomprises a flexible joint between each of the semi-rigid shell legs andthe semi-rigid shell body.

According to an embodiment, a retention system for a helmet includes ahorizontal chin strap and a vertical chin strap and an adjustable napeassembly including a semi-rigid shell sized and configured to fit withinan interior of a helmet and around a portion of a wearer's head, theliner body comprising a body and two legs and having an outer surfaceand an inner surface; a pad comprising a body and two legs attached tothe interior surface of the semi-rigid shell so that the pad body andpad legs are generally aligned with the semi-rigid shell body andsemi-rigid shell legs; an adjustment strap having a first end attachedto a semi-rigid shell leg and a second end portion having a mount pointfor attaching the adjustment strap to an interior of a helmet; and abuckle capable of adjusting the length of the strap between the pad legand mount point. The horizontal chin strap may include a centerhorizontal chin strap portion, and at least one mounting strap having atleast one hole for affixing the mounting strap to a helmet. The centerportion of the horizontal chin strap may include a first centralhorizontal chin strap portion, a second central horizontal chin strapportion, and a first fastener for reversibly coupling the first centralhorizontal chin strap and the second central horizontal chin strap. Thevertical chin strap may include a center portion, a loop through whichthe center portion of the vertical chin strap passes through; and atleast one forward strap having at least one hole for affixing theforward strap to a helmet. The center portion of the vertical chin strapmay include a second fastener for reversibly coupling a first end of thecenter portion of the vertical chin strap to a body of the centerportion of the vertical chin strap. In some embodiments the verticalchin strap is secured to the horizontal chin strap at least one point ofintersection.

According to an embodiment, a kit includes a retention system for ahelmet, an adjustable nape assembly, or both a retention system for ahelmet and an adjustable nape assembly and a helmet. The helmet may bean advanced combat helmet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofembodiments of the helmet retention system, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings of an exemplaryembodiment. It should be understood, however, that the invention can beembodied in different forms and thus should not be construed as beinglimited to the embodiments set forth herein.

FIG. 1 is a front, right side perspective view of a helmet retentionsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the invention shown attachedto a helmet and on a mannequin;

FIG. 2 is a front, left side perspective view of the helmet retentionsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the helmet retention system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the helmet retention system ofFIG. 1 shown with the helmet shell in phantom;

FIG. 5 is a rear, right side perspective view of the helmet retentionsystem of FIG. 1 shown with the helmet shell in phantom;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an assembled chin strap assembly of the helmetretention system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded plan view of the assembled chin strapassembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8A is a plan view of a portion of the chin strap assembly of FIG.6;

FIG. 8B is a side elevational view of the portion of the chin strapassembly shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A a plan view of a portion of the chin strap assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9B is a side elevational view of the portion of the chin strapassembly shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the portion of the chin strap assemblyshown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a nape assembly of the helmetretention system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the nape assembly of the helmetretention system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the nape assembly of the helmet retentionsystem of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying Figures, in which representativeembodiments are shown. The present subject matter can, however, beembodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited tothe embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are providedto describe and enable one of skill in the art.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numeralsindicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-12, ahelmet retention system, generally designated 10, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. The helmet retentionsystem may include a chin strap assembly 100 and a nape assembly 200(see FIG. 5).

Referring to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments of the present invention,chin strap assembly 100 is configured to be mounted to an interior of ahead protection device, such as a helmet 103. More particularly, chinstrap assembly 100 in some embodiments is configured to be worn across awearer's chin and secure helmet 103 to a wearer's head during use. Insome embodiments chin strap assembly 100 provides helmet lift and pitchconstraint to the wearer, for example, by providing adjustable, verticaland horizontal, straight-line paths from the wearer's chin directly tohard-mount, connection points near the brow area, and near the bottomedges of the helmet shell. Helmet 103 may be any type of head protectionhelmet known in the art, for example, those used for sporting, police,or military purposes. In certain embodiments, helmet 103 is a standardinfantry ballistic helmet. In some embodiments, helmet 103 is anadvanced combat helmet (ACH).

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in some embodiments a chin strap assembly100 includes a horizontal chin strap 105 and a vertical chin strap 110,wherein the vertical chin strap 110 is secured to the horizontal chinstrap 105 at two points of intersection 140. In some embodiments thevertical chin strap 110 is oriented approximately perpendicular to thehorizontal chin strap at each point of intersection. In otherembodiments, the angle α between the vertical chin strap and thehorizontal chin strap is about 85°, about 80°, about 75°, about 70°,about 65°, or about 60°. In other embodiments, the angle α between thevertical chin strap and the horizontal chin strap is between about 90°and about 80°, between about 85° and about 75°, between about 80° andabout 70°, between about 75° and about 65°, between about 73° and about67°, or between about 70° and about 60°. In some embodiments, thevertical chin strap 110 and horizontal chin strap 105 arepermanently-fixed together where they intersect 140. When worn by auser, intersection 140 may be aligned with the user's jaw hinge,allowing a user to move his jaw freely or largely freely. When worn by auser to secure a helmet to the user's head, horizontal strap 105 maypass between the user's chin and lower lip, and the vertical strap 110may pass between the user's chin and throat, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In some embodiments, the chin strap assembly 100 offers more freedom ofmovement and/or comfort than a conventional chin-cup retention system.In some embodiments, the chin strap assembly 100 allows a user to movehis jaw more freely than a conventional chin-cup retention system. Insome embodiments horizontal chin strap 105 and/or vertical chin strap110 may include vinyl webbing. Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in someembodiments vertical chin strap 110 includes center portion 114, forwardstrap 125 and mount strap 130. In some embodiments center portion 114includes a first end 112 and body 113. In some embodiments thehorizontal chin strap 105 and/or the vertical chin strap 110 includes amount point 151, which may fasten the chin strap to a helmet 103 atconnection point 153. The horizontal chin strap 105 may comprise a mountstrap 130, wherein the mount strap 130 includes a mount point 151. Insome embodiments the vertical chin strap 110 comprises a forward strap125, wherein the forward strap includes a mount point 151. In someembodiments, helmet mount point 151 may be removeably attached to helmet103, for example by button, clamps, straps, buttons, snap fasteners,latches, hook-and-loop, hook-and-pile, or other mechanical fasteners. Inother embodiments, adhesives are used, for example, adhesive tapes,pressure-sensitive adhesives, or putty-like adhesives (e.g., Blu Tack).In still other embodiments a chin strap assembly 100 is attached to ahelmet 103 via a bolt, screw (e.g. a screw and T-nut), nail, or pin.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in some embodiments a vertical chin strap110 comprises a forward strap 125, a vertical chin strap center portion114, and a second fastener 135. In some embodiments the second fastener135 is configured to adjust the length of the vertical chin strap 110(e.g. the length of the vertical chin strap center portion 114)extending between the two points of intersection 140 with the horizontalchin strap 105. The second fastener 135 may be any reversible couplingmechanism (e.g. snap, button, buckle, clip, double D-ring, hook andloop, etc.). In some embodiments the vertical chin strap 110 comprises aplurality of second fasteners 135, such that the length of the verticalchin strap 110 extending between the two intersection points 140 iscapable of being adjusted by changing which of the plurality of secondfasteners 135 is employed. In a preferred embodiment second fastener 135is a buckle or a double D-ring. In some embodiments a double D-ring mayinclude a first ring having another smaller ring extending from theouter periphery. In one embodiment, each ring has a flat portion formingthe ring into a capital D shape, while in other embodiments one or bothrings may be O-shaped. In one embodiment, the second smaller ring is atan obtuse angle relative to the larger ring (see FIG. 9C). Having therings bent relative to one another may allow for a user to more easilygrasp the second ring. In other embodiments a double D ring may includetwo equally sized rings, each ring having a flat portion forming thering into a capital D shape, while in other embodiments, one or bothrings may be O-shaped. In other embodiments a double D ring may includea ring having a flat portion forming the ring into a capital D shapewith a rectangular loop extending from the flat portion of the capital Dshaped ring. Referring to FIG. 5, fastener 135 may couple forward strap125 with vertical chin strap center portion 114 to form a substantiallystraight line. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, fastener 137 may coupleforward strap 125 with vertical chin strap center portion 114 to form asubstantially straight line.

A horizontal chin strap 105 and/or a vertical chin 110 strap may have alength between first and second intersection points 140 that may beadjusted. Referring now to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, horizontal chinstrap 105 includes a first horizontal strap portion 107, a secondhorizontal strap portion 108, and a first fastener 109 for reversiblycoupling the first horizontal chin strap portion 107 and the secondhorizontal chin strap portion 108. The first fastener may be anyreversible coupling mechanism (e.g. snap, button, buckle, clip, doubleD-ring, hook and loop, etc.) capable of reversibly coupling the firsthorizontal strap portion 107 to the second horizontal strap portion 108.The first fastener may comprise a first fastener pile (e.g. one of hooksor loops) mounted to a surface of the first horizontal chin strapportion 107 and a second fastener pile (e.g. the other of hooks orloops) mounted to a surface of the second horizontal chin strap portion108, wherein the fastener piles are configured to provide a separableinterconnection when pressed together. In some embodiments, thehorizontal chin strap 105 is mounted to the bottom edge of the helmetshell, as far aft and horizontal as possible (e.g., see FIG. 4) tomaximize helmet stability. The horizontal chin strap 105 may belength-adjustable through a set of overlapping, hook & pileinterlocking, attachment straps.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in some embodiments a vertical chin strap110 comprises vertical chin strap center portion 114 having a first end112 and a body 113. In some embodiments the vertical chin strap furthercomprises a third fastener 120 for reversibly coupling first end 112 tobody 113 of the vertical chin strap center portion 114. The thirdfastener 120 may be any reversible coupling mechanism (e.g. snap,button, buckle, clip, hook and loop, etc.) capable of reversiblycoupling the first end 112 to the body 113 of the vertical chin strapcenter portion 114. The third fastener 120 may include aquick-disconnect component (e.g. a two point quick-release fastener, ora single-point quick-release fastener) such as a snap.

The vertical chin strap 110 may further include a loop 137 through whichthe vertical chin strap center portion 114 passes through. In someembodiments loop 137 may couple the vertical chin strap center portion114 with forward strap 125. Loop 137 may couple the vertical chin strapcenter portion 114, with forward strap 125 and mounting strap 130. Whenvertical chin strap center portion 114, forward strap 125, and mountingstrap 130 are coupled by loop 137, each may be slideably moveablerelative to the others. While worn by a user to retain a helmet to theuser's head, the forward straps 125 and vertical chin strap centerportion 114 may align to form a generally straight line. While worn by auser to retain a helmet to the user's head, the mounting strap 130 maybe oriented approximately perpendicular to the forward strap 125. Insome embodiments, mounting strap 130 is oriented about 60°, 65°, 70°,75°, 80°, or 85° from forward strap 125. In some embodiments, mountingstrap is oriented about 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, or 120° fromforward strap 125. In some embodiments, mounting strap 130 is orientedin a range of from about 85° to about 95°, about 80° to about 100°, orabout 75° to about 105°.

In some embodiments one side of the vertical chin strap 110 (e.g. centerportion 114) is adjustable through a set of double D rings. In someembodiments the other side is constrained by a single D ring (e.g. loop137) and a quick release snap (e.g. fastener 120). Such arrangement mayallow the wearer to quickly attach and release both the horizontal chinstrap 105 and the vertical chin strap 110 in one, single step.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the horizontal chin strap 105 may include oneor more (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8) helmet mount points 151, any oneof which can be used to fasten the vertical chin strap to a helmet 103at connection point 153. Horizontal chin strap 105 may include 5 helmetmount points 151. In some embodiments the horizontal chin strap 105includes a plurality of helmet mount points 151 to enable a wearer toadjust a length of horizontal chin strap between connection point 153and intersection point 140. The horizontal chin strap 105 may include aplurality of helmet mount points 151 so a wearer can adjust a length ofhorizontal chin strap between a connection point 153 to the helmet andintersection point 140. In some embodiments a horizontal chin strap 105includes a mounting point 151 that is a slot or elongated hole allowingfor a continuously variable connection point position. In embodiments inwhich mounting point 151 includes a slot or elongated hole, thehorizontal strap may be coupled to a helmet 103 by a tension buckle, forexample. When being used to secure a helmet to a wearer's head, thehorizontal chin strap 105 may provide a generally straight line pathfrom the wearer's chin to a connection point 153 located near a bottomedge of the helmet. The vertical chin strap 110 may include one or more(e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8) helmet mount points 151, any one of whichcan be used to fasten the vertical chin strap to a helmet 103 at aconnection point 153. Vertical chin strap 110 may include 3 helmet mountpoints 151. In some embodiments the vertical chin strap 110 includes aplurality of helmet mount points 151 to enable a wearer to adjust alength of vertical chin strap 110 between a connection point 153 andintersection point 140. In some embodiments a vertical chin strap 110includes a mounting point 151 that is a slot or elongated hole allowingfor a continuously variable connection point position. In embodiments inwhich mounting point 151 includes a slot or elongated hole, the verticalstrap 110 may be coupled to a helmet 103 by a tension buckle, forexample. When being used to secure a helmet to a wearer's head, thevertical chin strap 110 may provide a generally straight line path fromthe wearer's chin to a connection point 153 near the wearer's brow. Insome embodiments the vertical chin strap 110 is mounted to a connectionpoint 153 near the temple-area of the helmet shell. In some embodimentsthe vertical chin strap 110 is mounted to a connection point 153 ashigh-up and vertical as possible to maximize helmet stability. Inpreferred embodiments, multiple mounting points 151 (e.g. adjustmentholes) are provided at the strap-to-helmet-shell connection points toensure that both the vertical and horizontal chin straps remain instraight-line paths from the individual wearer's chin to thehelmet-shell connection points.

It is to be understood that while the figures show loop 137 and thirdfastener 120 positioned on the left side of the user's face and secondfastener 135 on the right side of the user's face, other arrangementsare within the scope of the invention, for example loop 137 and thirdconnection 120 may be located on the right side of the user's face andsecond fastener 135 may be located on the left side of the user's face.Similarly, while an embodiment having an adjustable horizontal chinstrap and vertical chin strap has been described in detail, it is to beunderstood that alternative embodiments are within the scope of theinvention, for example a vertical strap may be designed to be adjustableusing a first and second vertical chin strap portions and a fastener(e.g. hook-and-loop or hook-and-pile) as the horizontal strap isdescribed herein, and/or a horizontal chin strap may be designed to beadjustable using a buckle (e.g. a double D ring) and may include a quickrelease fastener, as the vertical chin strap is described herein. Suchalternate embodiments are within the scope of the invention.

Retention systems according to some embodiments of the invention providefor increased adjustability over prior art helmet retention systems byallowing the position relative to the wearer's jaw of the intersectionpoints of the horizontal and vertical straps, the length of the centerportion of each of the horizontal and vertical chin straps, and thepoints of attachment to the helmet of each of the forward straps andmounting straps to be adjusted independently. Retention systemsaccording to some embodiments of the invention further provide for easeof use over prior art helmet retention systems providing for a singlerelease point (e.g. fastener 120) which upon release allows the helmetto be removed from the wearer without further adjustment to anycomponents of the retention system. The single release point allows auser to adjust the helmet straps and connection points to best fit thehelmet to the user's head and retain the fit (e.g. the length andposition of the vertical and horizontal straps) as the user removes andre-dons the helmet without requiring further adjustment to the fit.Retention systems according to some embodiments of the invention providefor the intersection of the horizontal and vertical chin straps (e.g.intersection point 140, or center of fastener 135 and/or 137) to bealigned with or aligned approximately with the hinge point of the user'sjaw, allowing the user greater ability to articulate his jaw (e.g. tospeak). When aligned with or aligned approximately with the hinge pointof the user's jaw, the horizontal strap 105 may form an approximatelystraight line with the mounting strap from the user's chin to themounting point. Similarly, when aligned with or aligned approximatelywith the hinge point of the user's jaw, the center portion of thevertical strap 114 may foam an approximately straight line with themounting strap from the user's chin to the mounting point. Retentionsystems according to some embodiments of the invention provide greaterstability than prior art retentions systems. For example, retentionssystems according to some embodiments of the invention include mountingstraps 130 that are mounted directly to the helmet 103 rather than tothe nape assembly 200. In another example, retention systems accordingto some embodiments of the invention provide intersection points of thevertical 105 and horizontal 110 straps in alignment or in approximatealignment with the user's jaw, providing increased stability.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, and 10-12, in some embodiments a liner or napeassembly 200 generally includes an impact liner 210 sized and configuredto fit within an interior of a helmet and around a portion of a wearer'shead. The nape assembly 200 may be pivotable with respect to the helmet103 to allow the nape assembly 200 to move relative to the helmet 103.In some embodiments, the nape assembly 200 includes a body 225 and twolegs 230. Impact liner 210 may have an interior surface with a generallyor slightly concave shape to encourage a good fit against a user's head.Impact liner 210 may have an exterior surface with a generally orslightly convex shape to nest in a backing shell 205 and/or helmet 103.In some embodiments liner assembly 200 further comprises a backing shell205 sized and configured to fit within an interior of a helmet andaround an outer surface of impact liner 210. In some embodiments thebacking shell includes a body 215. In some embodiments the backing shell205 includes two legs 220. In some embodiments the impact liner isarranged with respect to the backing shell 205 such that impact linerbody 225 is generally aligned with the backing shell body 215 and impactliner legs 230 are generally aligned with backing shell legs 220. Insuch embodiments the shell 205 may cover substantially all of an outersurface area of the impact liner 210. In other embodiments the shell 205may cover a portion of an exterior surface area of the impact liner 210.In some embodiments, backing shell 205 is constructed from a materialthat provides strength and flexibility such as a plastic (e.g. aninjection molded plastic), aluminum, an aramid, etc. Backing shell 205may be constructed from an aramid, e.g. Kevlar. In some embodiments,backing shell 205 is constructed of a material that may help with impactabsorption. In some embodiments, backing shell 205 is composed of amaterial that is substantially rigid. In other embodiments, backingshell 205 may be elastic or flexible. Backing shell 205 may besemi-rigid. In some embodiments, backing shell 205 is of a single-piececonstruction, having a unitary or monolithic structure. Backing shell205 may be articulated, having two or more rigid portions joined by oneor more flexible joints. In some embodiments the backing shell body 215has a unitary structure and is joined to backing shell legs 220 by aflexible joint. In other embodiments the backing shell body 215 and/orbacking shell legs 220 are articulated. For example, a backing shell 205that is constructed from a rigid material may have a plurality of jointsor articulations to provide the backing shell 205 with flexibility. Insome embodiments a backing shell 205 may include one or more livinghinges (e.g. a thin, flexible hinge made from the same material as thetwo rigid pieces it connects). In some embodiments the backing shell 205is coupled to the impact liner 210 by an adhesive patch 216. In anotherembodiment, the nape assembly 200 may be coupled to the chin strapassembly 100.

In some embodiments a modular, articulated backing shell 205 may providehelmet lift constraint. In some embodiments the modular, articulated,hard-shell comfortably provides helmet lift constraint, while theinboard-mounted impact liner material remains the dominant, rear impactattenuation contributor.

In some embodiments, the nape assembly 200 is sufficiently sized toextend from about the middle of the back of the head of the wearer (asshown in FIG. 5) to about the nape of the neck of the wearer during use.In some embodiments nape assembly 200 extend from about the top of theuser's head to about the nape of the neck of the user during use. Insome embodiments, nape assembly 200 may cover the sides of a user's headduring use. In some embodiments, impact liner body 225 includes an outersurface that is convexly contoured to generally match the interiorcurvature of helmet 203 and/or backing shell 205. In one embodiment,impact liner body 225 is shaped such that it retains the same shapewhether or not it is coupled to the backing shell 205, helmet 203 and/orthe user's head. In some embodiments, impact liner 210 is configured toentirely fit within the interior of backing shell 205 and/or helmet 203and to not extend beyond the periphery of backing shell 205 and/orhelmet 203 during use. In some embodiments, impact liner body 225includes an interior surface 227 that is concavely contoured to fitaround the wearer's head during use. In some embodiments, impact liner210 and backing shell 205 are generally the same size. Backing shell 205may be slightly smaller than impact liner 210. In some embodiments,backing shell 205 covers a larger percentage of area of the impact linertowards the user's head than away from the user's head. In someembodiments, impact liner body 225 has a generally uniform thicknessbetween the convex outer surface and the concave interior surface 227.In some embodiments, the thickness of the impact liner 210 may generallyrelate to the thickness of a helmet liner. The thickness of the impactliner 210 may allow the liner to be generally flush with the rest of thehelmet shell. In some embodiments, impact liner 210 has a thickness in arange from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, from about 12 mm to about 18 mm,or from about 14 mm to about 16 mm. In some embodiments, liner body 102is at least 10 mm thick, at least 12 mm thick, at least 14 mm thick, atleast 16 mm thick, at least 18 mm thick, or at least 20 mm thick. Insome embodiments, impact liner 210 has a thickness less than 20 mm.

In some embodiments, impact liner 210 is configured to provide differentlevels of impact attenuation to different locations around the wearer'shead. For example, impact liner body 225 may be configured to providegreater or lesser impact attenuation versus the left and right sidesimpact liner legs 230. In some embodiments, different levels of impactattenuation can be achieved by having an impact liner 210 with differentdensities of the impact-absorbing material at the different locations.In some embodiments, impact liner 210 may include denser material atlocations where greater impact attenuation is desired. In otherembodiments, impact liner 210 may have a variable thickness, forexample, such that impact liner 210 is thicker at portions where greaterimpact attenuation is desired.

In some embodiments, backing shell 205 comprises an upper portion 250that extends beyond the exterior surface of the impact liner 210, asshown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In some embodiments backing shell 205comprises a helmet mount point 255 for attaching the backing shell to ahelmet. In some embodiments the backing shell 205 is hard-mounted to thehelmet. In some embodiments the backing shell 205 is hard mounted to thehelmet near the top of an interior surface of the helmet. In someembodiments backing shell 205 may be hard mounted to the helmet by ascrew, bolt, pin, or nail. In other embodiments, backing shell 205 maybe removeably attached to helmet 203, for example by button, clamps,straps, buttons, snap fasteners, latches, hook-and-loop, hook-and-pile,or other mechanical fasteners. In other embodiments, adhesives may beused, for example, adhesive tapes, epoxy, pressure-sensitive adhesives,or putty-like adhesives (e.g., Blu Tack).

Referring in particular to FIG. 12, in some embodiments a contact liner211 may be affixed to an interior surface and/or bottom surface ofimpact liner 210. In some embodiments, the contact liner 211 may providereinforcement to the impact liner 210 (e.g. help provide cracking of theimpact liner 210). In some embodiments, the contact liner 211 may bemade of a sufficiently durable material that provides comfort to theuser's nape. The contact liner may be made of moleskin. The contactliner 211 may be affixed to the interior and/or bottom surface of theimpact liner 210 by an adhesive, for example, adhesive tapes, pressuresensitive adhesives, glues, or putty-like adhesives. In some preferredembodiments contact liner 211 is coupled to impact liner 210 usinghook-and-loop or hook-and-pile fasteners. In some embodiments, contactliner 211 includes a contact liner body 212 and two contact liner legs213. In some embodiments contact liner body 212 and contact liner legs213 form a single liner piece, while in other embodiments contact linerbody 212 and contact liner legs 213 are separate pieces. In someembodiments the contact liner 211 is arranged with respect to the impactliner 210 such that contact liner body 212 is generally aligned with theimpact liner body 225 and contact liner legs 213 are generally alignedwith impact liner legs 230. In such embodiments the contact liner 211may cover substantially all of an interior surface area of the impactliner 210. In other embodiments the contact liner 211 may cover aportion of an interior surface area of the impact liner 210. In somepreferred embodiments contact liner 211 is coupled to impact liner legs230 and a portion of impact liner body 225 (e.g. a bottom portion ofimpact liner body 225). In some embodiments contact liner legs 213comprise a fabric configured to provide comfort to a wearer, such asmoleskin. In other embodiments, contact liner legs 213 each comprise anadhesive backed patch with a hook (e.g. Velcro™) face. The hook face mayallow the comfort liner legs 113 to grip a helmet's cloth comfort linerin order to minimize bunching of the comfort liner when the wearer donsthe helmet.

Referring to FIG. 12, in some embodiments, nape assembly 200 furthercomprises a double-sided adhesive patch 216. The adhesive patch 216 maybe provided to adhere the backing shell 205 to the impact liner 210. Insome embodiments, adhesive patch 216 is made of a para-aramid syntheticfiber such as Kevlar.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, in some embodiments liner assembly 200further comprises an adjustment strap 235 having a first end 237attached to a backing shell leg 220 and a second end portion 239 havinga liner assembly mount point 240 for attaching the adjustment strap 235to an interior surface of a helmet. In some embodiments the linerassembly 200 also includes a buckle 245 that is capable of adjusting thelength of the adjustment strap 235 between the backing shell leg 220 andliner assembly mount point 240. In some embodiments adjustment strap 235may be hard mounted to the helmet by a screw, bolt, pin, or nail. Inother embodiments, adjustment strap 235 may be removeably attached tohelmet 203, for example by button, clamps, straps, buttons, snapfasteners, latches, hook-and-loop, hook-and-pile, or other mechanicalfasteners. In other embodiments, adhesives may be used, for example,epoxy, adhesive tapes, pressure-sensitive adhesives, or putty-likeadhesives (e.g., Blu Tack). In some embodiments the adjustment strapsare hard mounted to points on a bottom edge of the helmet shell. Theadjustment strap mount point may be low and far forward on the helmetshell. In some embodiments, when the adjustment strap and the horizontalchin strap are both attached to the helmet, the adjustment strap maycross the horizontal chinstrap (e.g. the connection point 253 where thehorizontal chinstrap is attached to the helmet may be lower than thepoint where the adjustment strap is connected to the impact liner leg230 or backing shell leg 220, while the adjustment strap attachmentpoint 240 is lower than the point where the horizontal chin strap 205 isattached to loop 237). In some embodiments the entire liner assembly isfree to hinge and/or flex, allowing it to wrap around the user'soccipital lobe as the adjustment straps are pulled taut. For example, inembodiments where the liner assembly 200 is mounted to the helmet 103 ata single point 255, the fit of the liner assembly to the back of theuser's head may be adjusted by adjusting the length of straps 235, forexample by adjusting buckle 245, or by adjusting the point at which thestrap 235 is mounted to the helmet 103.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in some embodiments a retention systemcomprises a chin strap assembly 100 as described herein and a linerassembly 200 as described herein. In some embodiments a helmet retentionsystem that includes both a dual chinstrap assembly 100 and anarticulated, hard-shell backed impact liner assembly 200 may provide acomfortable, stable, adjustable, impact-tolerant method of constraininga helmet to a user's head.

In some embodiments, chin strap assembly 100 and liner assembly 200 mayeach be supplied alone, may be supplied together as a retention system,or may be supplied as a kit together with helmet 103. In someembodiments, chinstrap assembly 100 and liner assembly 200 are suppliedtogether as a kit, with or without helmet 103.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood,therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplaryembodiments shown and described, but it is intended to covermodifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention asdefined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplaryembodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and variousfeatures of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unlessspecifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are notlimited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at leastone.”

It is to be understood that at least some of the figures anddescriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elementsthat are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, whileeliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion ofthe invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art,and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding ofthe invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retention system for a helmet comprising: ahorizontal chin strap comprising: a center horizontal chin strap portioncomprising a first center horizontal chin strap portion and a secondcenter horizontal chin strap portion, a first fastener for reversiblycoupling the first center horizontal chin strap portion and the secondcenter horizontal chin strap portion, and at least one mounting strapfor affixing the horizontal chin strap to a helmet; and a vertical chinstrap comprising: a center vertical chin strap portion, a secondfastener for reversibly coupling a first end of the center vertical chinstrap portion to a body of the center vertical chin strap portion, aloop through which the center vertical chin strap portion passesthrough, and at least one forward strap configured to affix the verticalchin strap to the helmet, wherein the vertical chin strap is secured tothe horizontal chin strap at two or more points of intersection.
 2. Theretention system according to claim 1, wherein the vertical chin strapfurther comprises a buckle configured to adjust the length of thevertical chin strap between the two or points of intersection with thehorizontal chin strap.
 3. The retention system according to claim 2,wherein the buckle is a double D-ring.
 4. The retention system accordingto claim 1, wherein the first fastener comprises a first fastener pilemounted to a surface of the first center horizontal chin strap and asecond fastener pile mounted to a surface of the second centerhorizontal chin strap, wherein the fastener piles are configured toprovide a separable interconnection when pressed together.
 5. Theretention system according to claim 4, wherein one of the first fastenerpile and the second fastener pile comprises a plurality of hooks and theother of the first fastener pile and the second fastener pile comprisesa plurality of loops.
 6. The retention system according to claim 1,wherein the forward strap and center vertical chin strap portion arecoupled to the loop such that the vertical chin strap is substantiallylinear.
 7. The retention system according to claim 1, wherein theforward strap is coupled to the loop such that the at least one forwardstrap and the at least one mounting strap are substantiallyperpendicular.
 8. The retention system according to claim 1, the atleast one mounting strap having at least one hole by which the at leastone mounting strap is configured to be affixed to the helmet.
 9. Theretention system according to claim 1, the at least one forward straphaving at least one hole by which the at least one forward strap isconfigured to be affixed to the helmet.
 10. A retention system for ahelmet comprising: an adjustable nape assembly comprising: a semi-rigidshell sized and configured to fit within an interior of a helmet andaround a portion of a wearer's head, the semi-rigid shell comprising asemi-rigid shell body and two semi-rigid shell legs and having an outersurface and an inner surface, a pad comprising a pad body and two padlegs attached to the interior surface of the semi-rigid shell so thatthe pad body and pad legs are generally aligned with the semi-rigidshell body and semi-rigid shell legs, an adjustment strap having a firstend attached to one of the semi-rigid shell legs and a second endportion having a mount point for attaching the adjustment strap to aninterior of a helmet; and a buckle capable of adjusting the length ofthe adjustment strap between the pad leg and mount point.
 11. Theretention system according to claim 10, wherein an upper portion of thesemi-rigid shell extends beyond the pad body and has a mount point formounting the semi-rigid shell to a helmet.
 12. The retention systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the semi-rigid shell comprises expandedpolypropylene.
 13. The retention system according to claim 10, whereinthe pad comprises a foam material enclosed in fabric.
 14. The retentionsystem according to claim 10, wherein the semi-rigid shell comprises aflexible joint between each of the semi-rigid shell legs and thesemi-rigid shell body.
 15. The retention system according to claim 10further comprising: a horizontal chin strap comprising: a centerhorizontal chin strap portion comprising a first center horizontal chinstrap portion and a second center horizontal chin strap portion, a firstfastener for reversibly coupling the first center horizontal chin strapportion and the second center horizontal chin strap portion, and atleast one mounting strap for affixing the horizontal chin strap to ahelmet; and a vertical chin strap comprising: a second fastener forreversibly coupling a first end of the vertical chin strap to a body ofthe vertical chin strap, a loop through which the vertical chin strappasses through, and at least one forward strap for affixing the verticalchin strap to a helmet, wherein the vertical chin strap is secured tothe horizontal chin strap at two points of intersection.